‘The Last Telegram of Mrs Hudson’ by Mattea Orr

Published by Head of Zeus,
3 September 2026.
ISBN: 978-1-03592651-0 (PB)

Not a great deal is known about Sherlock Holmes's childhood, but Mattea Orr is setting out to change that. In her version of those formative years, his mother takes centre stage, but seven-year-old Sherlock certainly makes his presence felt, and plays a part in solving the mystery of the disappearing village boy and the body in the garden. So does Mrs Hudson, known to Conan Doyle aficionados as the housekeeper to the grown-up Holmes and his amanuensis Watson, but here is a young widow who exchanges a career as a telegraphist for a job as a lady's maid. 

But to begin at the beginning of this quirkily written piece of
pseudo-history: a grieving Katy Hudson has returned home from London after the untimely death of her beloved husband. She finds her mother and five siblings in need of a breadwinner, and in the absence of a position as a telegraphist, her London job, she becomes Lady Holmes's personal maid. But as Lady Holmes is no ordinary employer. She very soon declares that what she really needs is not a maid but an investigative partner, and reveals talents more suited to an undercover agent than a member of the nobility. What's more, it quickly becomes evident that the pair are going to become closer still. 

The first mystery to be solved is Eddie Beale's rash, and the destruction of a row of marrow plants. The Beales are tenants of Lady Holmes, who is unconventional to the point of eccentricity: abrasiveness and lack of patience is only part of it. So she sends Hudson in to do the questioning. Success achieved, they turn their attention to Billy Mudd, whose disappearance is driving his mother frantic – and that's when the fun really starts. 

Of the characters in this multi-layered mystery, only Lady Holmes and Katy Hudson veer away from stereotype: her ladyship is starchy, formal and unmaternal, though a softer side reveals itself and Katy has trouble reining in her tongue but knows how to relate to the village folk. The supporting cast wouldn't be out of place in a Victorian melodrama: Billy's mum Frances is hysterical; Katy's brothers are full of mischief; the maids at the Holmes residence are all-seeing, Goodwin the policeman is controlling, bombastic and in the thrall of the local gentry, who are haughtily convinced of their own superiority– all quite deliberately in the part of the author, I'm sure. And it all takes place against a background of detail and contrast: mainly the tiny cottage which houses Katy's large family and the vast Holmes mansion where her ladyship and Sherlock rattle around with a handful of servants. 

Sherlock lurks mostly in the shadows, but even at his tender age shows talents and flashes of brilliance which hint at what is to come. Who knows what may develop as the series progresses? It will be interesting to find out.---------
Reviewer: Lynne Patrick 

Mattea Orr is a recovering academic and current mystery writer, author of The Last Telegram of Mrs. Hudson (Bloomsbury/Head of Zeus) and the forthcoming sequel A Most Remarkable Forgery  will be published in Spring 2027. Her short stories have appeared in the anthologies Transcendent from Transmundane Press and the Agents of the Abyss from Padwolf Publishing, Toil & Trouble Literary Magazine, and Witch House Magazine. She lives in upstate New York with her partner, their three kids, and any number of disreputable cats, where she writes full time. 

Lynne Patrick has been a writer ever since she could pick up a pen, and has enjoyed success with short stories, reviews and feature journalism, but never, alas, with a novel. She crossed to the dark side to become a publisher for a few years and is proud to have launched several careers which are now burgeoning. She lives in Oxfordshire in a house groaning with books, about half of them crime fiction.

The latest from Bloody Scotland: 18 - 20 September 2026

One Day to Go 

Can you believe it's our last newsletter issue before the big day? Excitement levels really are reaching fever pitch over at Bloody Scotland HQ. We can't wait to see you all again on Friday! 

In this issue of the newsletter, we are: getting to know crime fiction fan, Fran Woodrow and bringing you a brilliant interview with Laura Thomson KC of Faculty of Advocates, who are one of Bloody Scotland’s sponsors this year. But before all that, we hear from crime writer and reviewer, Noelle Holten on making the most of your Bloody Scotland weekend.

My Bloody Scotland 
by Noelle Holten 

I’m Noelle Holten, a crime writer, book publicist and the reviewer behind CrimeBookJunkie. After years of reading, reviewing and writing about murder... all perfectly normal hobbies, obviously... crime fiction festivals have become some of my favourite dates in the calendar. And one festival I always love returning to? Bloody Scotland in Stirling. Here’s why…

1. The crime fiction community

Bloody Scotland brings together crime writers, readers, reviewers, publishers and booksellers in one brilliant weekend. It’s a chance to catch up with old friends, finally meet people you’ve only ever spoken to online and make brand-new bookish connections. There’s just something special about being surrounded by people who think discussing fictional murder over coffee is completely normal.

2. The panels are brilliant

From psychological thrillers and police procedurals to serial killers, true crime, cosy crime and everything in between, there is always something worth seeing. I love hearing authors talk about where their ideas come from, how they create their characters and the realities of being a crime writer. Plus, the best panels inevitably go slightly off-piste — and those are usually the moments you remember.

3. The atmosphere

Stirling is the perfect setting for a crime writing festival. Beautiful, historic and atmospheric, it feels as though the whole city is taken over by crime fiction fans for the weekend. You’ll spot authors in cafés, readers carrying bags full of books and people everywhere talking about what they’ve just seen or what they’re desperately trying to squeeze into their schedule next.

Three things you can expect at Bloody Scotland

1. Brilliant crime writers

Expect established bestselling authors alongside exciting newer voices from across crime fiction, thrillers and mystery writing. And don't be surprised if you leave with several new favourite authors.

2. Lots of bookish chat

Panels are only part of the experience. Some of the best moments happen between events — chatting in queues, bumping into people around Stirling or having that wonderful: “I KNOW YOU FROM INSTAGRAM!” moment.

3. A considerably bigger TBR. 

You will buy books. You will discover books. Someone will recommend a book. An author will describe their novel in a panel and you'll immediately decide you need it. Just accept this now.

My advice if you're going for the first time? Say hello. Festivals can look intimidating when it seems as though everybody already knows everybody else but most people have stood on their own at their first festival wondering exactly the same thing.

Choose the panels you really want to see, don't try to cram absolutely everything in, leave yourself time to enjoy Stirling and embrace the spontaneous moments. And if you see me wandering around carrying far too many books…COME AND SAY HELLO! Because Bloody Scotland isn't just one of my favourite UK crime fiction festivals. It's a weekend celebrating the writers, readers, books and wonderful community that I absolutely bloody love.

You can follow Noelle on Instagram at: @author_noelleholten
You can also read her book reviews over at: www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk

Stepping into the courtroom at Bloody Scotland 

One of the reasons Bloody Scotland continues to attract such enthusiastic audiences is its ability to bring readers closer to the reality behind crime stories. This year, the Faculty of Advocates is delighted to continue its long-standing support of the festival through You the Jury, an event that offers a rare opportunity to step inside a courtroom and experience the drama, complexity and human stories at the heart of Scotland's legal system.

Created by crime writer Douglas Skelton, You the Jury takes place in the fitting surroundings of Stirling Sheriff Court and revisits one of Scotland's most compelling historical criminal cases: the 1927 trial of John Donald Merrett, who stood accused of murdering his mother and forging cheques in her name. The original case captivated public attention and featured many of the legal and forensic luminaries of its day. Our production reimagines that trial for a modern audience, incorporating contemporary forensic understanding while remaining true to the facts of the case. 

For the Faculty, supporting Bloody Scotland is about much more than showcasing a fascinating legal case. The festival provides a valuable platform to demystify the law and explain how Scotland's justice system works in practice. Crime fiction often focuses on the dramatic moments of investigation and trial, but events such as You the Jury allow people to see the real processes, the professional disciplines and the individuals who work within the legal system every day. It also highlights the vital role advocates and other legal professionals play in ensuring that people across Scotland, regardless of wealth, background or location, have access to independent, objective and expert legal representation.

Faculty has been at the forefront of legal excellence since 1532, regulating the training, professional practice and conduct of advocates while helping to ensure the highest standards of advocacy in Scotland's courts. Today, that commitment extends beyond traditional courtroom work into areas such as arbitration and mediation, reflecting a profession that continues to evolve alongside society's changing needs. 

At the heart of Faculty is another remarkable institution: the Advocates Library. As Scotland's finest legal research resource, it has supported generations of advocates in developing the knowledge and expertise needed to serve clients and courts alike. Its collections preserve centuries of legal and historical scholarship, including material from cases such as the one featured in You the Jury. It is both a symbol of Faculty's heritage and an essential tool in its continuing pursuit of excellence. 

Whether you are a devoted crime reader, a true crime enthusiast or simply curious about how justice operates in Scotland, You the Jury offers a unique chance to experience the law in action. We look forward to welcoming you to court. 

 Laura Thomson KC, Faculty of Advocates

The Ending Writes itself

‘Will remind you, the best way, of Agatha Christie’ STEPHEN KING

‘A cracking read' VAL MCDERMID

‘Smart, original and completely addictive’ KARIN SLAUGHTER

Six writers have been summoned to the remote Scottish home of iconic author Arthur Fletch to compete for the chance of a lifetime. Their challenge? Write the perfect ending to Fletch’s final unfinished manuscript.

When one of the writers is found dead, the remaining guests are forced into a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Because they all have a motive.

They all know how a murder mystery works.

And this killer knows every trick in the book . . .

Have you discovered the locked-room murder mystery of the year? 

Click here today to read an extract from The Ending Writes Itself and to sign up for exclusive events, news and competitions!

A Chat with Bookstagrammer Fran Woodrow

This will be my fifth year at Bloody Scotland, and for me it just keeps getting better and better. It's tough to pull out a couple of highlights from an incredible programme of events but I have given it a go. 

Ever since City of Vengeance had me so engrossed that I missed my train stop, I knew DV Bishop was going to be one of my favourite writers. That was just the start of his brilliant Cesare Aldo series which has only gone from strength to strength. I’m currently reading Shadow of Madness the latest instalment and it’s just as immersive. I have learned not to read them on public transport if I want to get anywhere on time though!

I remember the first time I saw David I was scared to say hi - he does look a tiny bit foreboding! Despite appearances though, he is not only really friendly but you’ll recognise him from his sharp dress sense and those famous shoes. David is appearing with AE Goldin & Cressida Downing in the History in the Making panel on Friday 18th. 

From an established writer to a debut. You know that way when you think a book will be one thing and then you read it and it’s an even better thing? Well that was me with Esther is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney. I had expected something light and frothy but actually it is a layered and complex story, often witty, often poignant but always incredibly readable.  

I’m really looking forward to listening to Tanya talk about this and hopefully about what else she has in the pipeline at the Every Breath You Take panel with Sam Blake & Deborah Masson on Saturday the 19th.

There's so much to look forward to but most of all I’m looking forward to just being there, soaking up the electric atmosphere and being among bookish folk for the whole weekend. It’s genuinely one of my favourite weekends of the year. 

You can find out more about Fran and follow her on Instagram at: franmcbookface

Bloody Scotland's 2026 Whisky

Independent Fife-based bottlers, Fib, have made us our own official dram for 2026, and we couldn't be more chuffed. Drawn from a single Oloroso sherry barrique and bottled at natural cask strength, this whisky is completely unfiltered - just as nature intended. There are only 100 bottles to be had - so if you'd like some, you'd better quick.

That's all from us this issue. See you back here soon.

For more information about Bloody Scotland and to view our upcoming events, visit: www.bloodyscotland.com

'Casa Ferrobo and the Man in the Panama Hat' by Dan Latus

Independently Published,
8 September 2026.
ISBN: 979-8-17261394-4 (PB)

Jake and Magda are sitting in a café in the Algarve in Portugal, pleased to be back. Whilst relaxing in the sunshine Jake receives a text from his old boss Sir Giles Henderson from his days in the Foreign Office asking him if he can see a man in a Panama hat sitting at a neighbouring table.  ‘He used to be one of ours, still might be. …’ 

At that moment two men barge past Jake’s table towards the man in the Panama hat.  Turning Jake observes two other men standing the doorway observing. So, Jake jumps up saying ‘Tom, how are you? Good to see you old chap! The two men withdraw, and the man in the Panama hat gathers his newspaper and glasses case and gets to his feet and was gone.

Magda says, I don’t think that’s the end of it. I think we may hear from Sir Giles very soon.  And she was right…

Flight tickets, together with hotel reservations arrived on Jakes phone with the message, see you tomorrow 8am London. 

It’s the start of a challenging job for Jake and his partner, Magda, as although they are instructed by Sir Giles to set up a surveillance operation to observe the man now identified as Felipe Rodrigues, who was known as ‘our man in Southern Portugal for many years.  But observing increasingly leads to investigating and even protecting a difficult man whose current loyalties are still unknown.  What becomes clear is that he appears to have accumulated an array of enemies. 

And so, they flew back to Portugal and settled on a plan. Jake would visit Rodrigues in his house in one of the ancient narrow little streets.  But his conversation with Rodrigues was not enlightening, particularly as they had to move on pretty fast to stay alive.  Although there are dangerous people after him, Jake still felt that Rodrigues could not have been a big player in the service. More of an observer than an agent.  So, what has he done to have acquired so many people to be after him, and for what? 

A true espionage mystery. Who is on whose side? Who is out to kill Rodrigues? What does he know that’s making him afraid to talk to anyone?  And most important of all, whose side is he on? 

Jake and Magda have already saved him twice, but who is actually after him, the South Americans, the Russians, or drug dealers? 

A terrific mystery that will keep you on the edge of your chair. Recommended.
-------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett 

Dan Latus lives with his wife in Northumberland. By instinct and education a geographer, his novels are inspired by the regions and places where he has lived and worked, and knows best. Several are set on Teesside and along the Cleveland coast, where he grew up and developed a love of hill walking and climbing. Others are located in Northumberland, which has long been home. Some are set at least in part in Central Europe, a region he has visited frequently over many years for work and pleasure. And "Saving Harry" is based in Western Canada, where he lived and worked for the best part of a decade.

‘The Body at the Vine Yard’ by Kate Hardy

Published by Storm Publishing,
20 May 2025.
ISBN: 978-1-80508757-1 (PB)

This is the sixth book in the series featuring Georgina Drake. Following the death of her husband Stephen Georgina moved to Little Wenborough in rural Norfolk.  She has now made many friends in the village particularly the aristocratic Sybbie, collector of China dogs. Also, DI Colin Bradshaw who she met when she first moved to the village and found the body of her first ever guest dead in the converted barn at the end of her garden that she rents out to holiday makers to supplement her income.   

There is however one friend that she met as soon as she moved to Little Wenborugh, and that is Doris, It took some time for Georgina to establish just who Doris was, but they have now become great friends.   

Engaged to do a photoshoot of a family’s vineyard, Georgina, meets the winemaker Gaby Edwards. But things do not run smoothly. There are two vineyards side by side, the one Georgina is photographing which is making organic wine and the one that is run by Gaby’s father, who does not believe in the organic process and is trying to sabotage it.  With the parents divorced, the family is divided.  The eldest son backing his father and Gaby her mother. A younger son is an artist and is constantly bullied by his elder brother. 

Then a body is discovered drowned in a fermentation tank in the father’s vineyard. 

Meanwhile Georgina’s spaniel Bert uncovers a skeleton hidden in a pond. He’s good at that by the way, he seems to make a habit of it.  With help from Doris, Georgina soon uncovers a tragic history of family rivalries and secrets buried deeper than the vines’ roots a century back. 

And then another family member goes missing. Will Georgina uncover the truth before another body turns up. 

An interesting tale of two families, nearly a century apart. Absolutely fascinating.

Most highly recommended.
----------
Reviewer: Lizzie Sirett

Kate Hardy started writing stories about ponies and dogs, moved onto ghosts and history, and then into local history and romance, and is now thoroughly enjoying her new life of crime!  She loves learning new things, which is why you'll always discover something different in a Kate Hardy book. She lives in Norwich with her husband

 

Burgh Island

 

Having had my photograph taken recently in Torquay
with Agatha Christie  and her dog,
John and I thought that we would pop across to Burgh Island.

The hotel is absolutely stunning.
 All Art Deco. Very 1920s.
The food is good and the staff are lovely.

Two dining areas. The Ballroom is black tie.

A marvellous opportunity for me to wear a long dress

 

Depending on the tides you may travel to the hotel by car.
Or if the tide is in by tractor.

The Burgh Island hotel, built in 1927 by Archibald Nettlefold, is a Grade 11 listed building and one of the foremost examples of Art Deco style in Europe.
It was originally a prefabricated wooden house used by
George H, Chirgwin for weekend parties.
The Hotel became a popular destination in the 1930’s and was used as a recovery centre for personnel during World War 11.
Despite a period of post-war decline the hotel was restored in the early 1990’s  by Tony and Beatrice Porter.
 The hotel is linked to Agatha Christie, who used it as setting for her novels,
and it has hosted notable guests such as
  Edward V111 and Wallis Simpson.
The hotel’s Art Deco architecture and history make it a unique and

significant Landmark in Devon, England.

Written in Blood: Trials and tribulations of a crime writer - Writing, Selling and Theft!.

 

Since my last article for Mystery People, I have found my ‘book time’ split between writing my next book and trying to encourage people to buy the books I have already written.

I have been very fortunate with my latest book

Death in the Sea Pool.

After talking about it at the Bude Festival (see my previous article for Mystery People), the local bookshop Spencer Thorn took a box of 16 off me, sold all of them, requested another 16, and sold all of them too. I have now dispatched a third box. All very encouraging.

Meanwhile back home in Oxfordshire, I have taken part in two book fairs, spoken in two libraries, and given talks to various women’s institutes and a care home.

 Of course, there are no guarantees re sales. Sometimes you have a really successful time, other times you don’t. In one Oxfordshire market town, I sold only one book at the end of my 45 minute talk. I did admittedly receive a fee, but I also had a book stolen! I left my box of books on the pavement while I walked round the corner to get my car. When I got back, the box had disappeared. Aagh!

A quick scout round revealed that it had been moved to a bench under cover. Phew!
How kind of someone. It was only when I got home that I realised that that ‘kind’ person had decided that they deserved a free book and took it home! There is obviously an irony in someone stealing a crime novel, so I have banked that as an experience to be tucked away until I need an anecdote to be wheeled out at a future event.
In the meantime, I am trying to finish the draft MS of my latest crime novel It involves a new set of characters, and I am really happy with the way those individuals have developed. V S Pritchett said: ‘There is no such thing as plot. There are only characters.’ I find those words wise and helpful.  So right now, with 90 per cent of the MS written, I am waiting for the characters to lead my story to a satisfactory and exciting conclusion.

Wish me – and my characters –
the best of luck.

Peter Tickler 

All of my crime novels can be purchased as e-books or in many cases as paperbacks. If you are ever visiting Bude, do call into the Spencer Thorn bookshop for a paperback copy of Death in the Sea Pool.
Or if you can’t wait, click
https://tinyurl.com/2rr86dv8   now!  

Twitter: @ptickler
Email: petertickler@btinternet.com
Website:  www.petertickler.co.uk 

Twitter: @ptickler 

Interview: Judith Cranswick in Conversation Victoria Dowd

 

Victoria was born and raised in Yorkshire and after studying at
Cambridge, was a successful criminal law barrister for many years. 
Victoria’s debut crime novel, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Murder is the first part of a dark, humorous crime series that is a modern take on the Golden Age of crime fiction and authors such Agatha Christie,
Ngaio Marsh and Josephine Tey.
She is an award-winning short story writer, winning the Gothic Fiction prize for short fiction 2019 by Go Gothic. Victoria has had short stories published in BTS Literary and Arts Annual, Gold Dust magazine and also by Stairwell books in their literary and arts journal Dream Catcher.
Her work has also been selected for publication in an anthology entitled
A Ghostly Challenge.
She speaks at various literary festivals, most recently in Bath, and at
various schools and book groups. 

https://victoriadowd.com/

Judith:         The Smart Woman’s Guide to Murder was the book that brought you a vast number of fans, including me. What inspired you to write the series?
 Victoria:    Thank you so much! That’s very kind of you. I’m a huge fan of Golden AgeDetective fiction and I draw a lot of inspiration from that. I really wanted to write a modern take on those books with all the tropes of the genre but updated with characters and themes today’s readers can relate to. I loved the idea of a strong female family dynamic with all its tensions and complicated relationships. I wanted to test those bonds and see how they would react under the greatest pressure – being locked in a house with a dead body and a murderer amongst them. 

Judith:        The Smart family women are delightfully quirky. Are any of them inspired by people you have met or are they entirely from your imagination?
Victoria:     They are individually fictional, but I do come from a family of very strong, forceful Yorkshire women. How they respond and react to one another is wonderful and awe-inspiring!

Judith:         You have written several books in the Smart Woman Mystery series, do you have a particular favourite, and why?
Victoria:     I think probably The Supper Club Murders. The Smart women had really come into their own at that point. It was great to take the characters to the next level. I really loved the setting for this one, as well – an isolated village on Dartmoor. 

Judith:         Death in the Aviary, the first of the Charlotte Blood Chronicles, is something of a departure from the Smart  Woman Mysteries. What prompted you to begin a new series?
Victoria:        I read a lot of historical fiction and a lot of detective fiction based in the 1920s and ‘30s. I thought it might be interesting to actually set a novel in that time but I didn’t just want my protagonist to seem like she’d turned up in 1920’s fancy dress. I wanted to show how she would have lived and the frustrations she would have felt with all the issues and barriers she had to overcome. It was surprising how many are still relevant today! It was also fascinating to explore the difficulties they would have faced in detecting. There were none of the modern methods available, particularly out on the moors at the time. The idea of being so isolated and cut off from most modes of  communication was very attractive! 

Judith:         I see from your bio that you were a criminal law barrister for many years. Has that influenced your writing?
Victoria:      Very much so. With each book, I use the same process and approach I did for constructing a case. I’m very methodical and visual. I like to plan the structure in quite a lot of detail before I begin. For A Book of Murder, I set some of the action in a courtroom that I’ve appeared in as a barrister. It was great fun and also quite surreal to reimagine it from the point of view of witnesses and, of course, the defendant. It does help to bring the scene to life and place the characters in that world. 

Judith:           Who are your favourite authors, and do you think they have influenced your writing style?
Victoria:     Agatha Christie is an enormous influence on me. Her meticulous construction and plotting is an absolute masterclass in how to write detective fiction. Her ability to hide the clues in plain sight and her facility with misdirection is second to none. John Dickson Carr is another influence, especially his mechanics of a locked room mystery. I also read a lot of ghost stories. I always like to inject the possibility of a supernatural element. M.R. James is one of my favourites. 

Judith:       Do you plot your novels before you start writing or do you begin with a scene and see what happens? Tell us a little about your routine.
Victoria:     I start with the trick of the book right at the centre. I then work out from that, weaving in the various plot points and clues. So, for instance, in Threefold Death, the latest Charlotte Blood book, I began with the idea of a locked tomb mystery. How could a fresh dead body be locked in a tomb that hasn’t been opened in nearly two thousand years? I then begin working out each strand of the plot that resolves into the denouement. I plan every section on my murder boards and those mirror the structure of my notebooks exactly. I often build models as well, primarily out of LEGO and each character has a mini-figure so I can see exactly where every person is as I write each section of the book. It’s a painstaking procedure but it’s very thorough!

Judith:     The setting for ‘Murder Most Cold’ was a remote set of cabins in Finland and ‘Death in the Aviary’ is set in 1928, both of which I presume involved research. What did that involve, and how much research do you need to do for your books?  
Victoria:     I do a lot of research in advance. For Murder Most Cold, I did visit the setting, which was both incredibly beautiful and eerie. I don’t think I would have been able to envisage the way light works there without seeing it. It really is extraordinary and, at times, disorientating – always useful in a murder mystery! 

I love the research part of a book. It’s a lot easier reading about Boudica and the Iron Age than starting on the very daunting prospect of a new book. There comes a point though where I have to make myself stop and actually get down to the real writing. I do need to know which shoes Charlotte Blood would wear but, sadly, I don’t need to know all the makes of shoe available then and how they were made. It is tempting to head off down some very lovely rabbit holes! 

Judith:         You are the winner of several awards. How did it feel to be short listed for the prestigious CWA Dagger, and which award gave you the most satisfaction?  
Victoria:     I’m always very surprised to win anything. There are so many amazing books out there these days. It was a wonderful experience to be shortlisted for a Dagger, primarily because that particular piece of work was written with my daughter. She attended the Daggers gala dinner with me. To share that with her was a very
special moment. Aside from that, every award is incredible for an author. After all the work and months of being locked away with the book on your own, it’s nice to know someone likes it.  

Judith:     I’m looking forward to reading Threefold Death. What are your plans for the next book? Will there be any more Smart Woman books or will you continue with a third Charlotte Blood Chronicle?Victoria: My next book is a standalone. I love writing series. It’s great to step back into their world and immediately know the character inside out. But I wanted to challenge myself and explore very different ideas. The New Rules of Murder comes out next year in June (with Sphere/Little Brown). It focuses on Knox’s rules of detective fiction – the Decalogue. On the eve of the millennium, ten crime writers are sent to a remote castle to rewrite those rules. All of them are killed and the murderer is never caught. I poured all my passion for detective fiction into that book. It really was a labour of love.  

Thank you for talking with us Victoria. Roll on next year and
The New Rules of Murder.